Firefighters from Avon Fire & Rescue Service are urging people to take care after revealing they performed 33 rescues from vehicles in water between 2012 and 2021.

A firefighter during water safety training | Photo © AF&RS
With winter weather on the way, recent thunderstorms have provided a reminder that flooding continues to affect those living and working in the local area.
Country lanes and low-lying ground are often worst affected, and what looks like a shallow puddle can hold dangers within.
Seán Heighton, Station Manager at Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) said: “The effects of floodwater can be very serious and entering what looks okay from the surface can have very expensive or even dangerous results.
“Finding another route may be frustrating, but being on time isn’t worth taking a risk. If you encounter floodwater on the road, do not attempt to drive through it, even if it looks shallow.”
Seán added: “Even seemingly shallow water can reach a vehicles engine, suck water up and cause the car to stall and break down.
“This is particularly dangerous when on a country road or driving at night, where you may not be able to call for help.
“Remember, even in relatively shallow water, a strong current can knock over a person or even pick up a car. Not all flood water is still.”
AF&RS has offered advice for floodwater on the road, which includes:
- If you see a flooded road ahead, turn around and find an alternative route.
- Water on the road can be deeper than you think, so don’t try and continue through floodwater.
- If you can’t go another way, get to higher ground and wait for waters to subside.
- If your car becomes affected by water, consider if safe to get out and if you can, climb to higher ground.
- If you drive through any puddle of a significant size, test your brakes as soon as it’s safe to do so.
- In an emergency, always call 999.
You can also take further precautions by making sure you’re prepared for adverse weather whilst driving. The fire service suggests creating an ‘emergency kit’ filled with things such as a torch, warm/waterproof clothing, bottled water and a first aid kit to name a few.
Having these items can help to keep you safe whilst waiting for emergency services to arrive.